A new allied health clinic – and in turn more doctors - may be on the cards for Bowen as Whitsunday Regional Council enter into land-sale negotiations with a private developer.

A formal offer for the property at 9D Dalrymple Street, Bowen, was made by PKDS Property Holdings Pty Ltd, who stated their plans to construct an allied health clinic and accommodation to support the attending clinicians.

The announcement of more medical facilities comes as a potential boon for the small town, which was as recently as April this year shaken by news the Queens Beach Medical Centre was planning to permanently close its doors in August due to its two sole physicians retiring – a closure which fortunately did not eventuate.

Instead, the centre was purchased by Dr Ramy Ibrahim, who has since expanded the clinic - which was opened almost four decades ago - to four clinicians, retaining its two potentially retiring, “legendary doctors” and planning to hire more in the future.

Whitsunday Regional Councillors called the scare a “wake up call”, and State Member for Burdekin Dale Last said it would have taken almost 40 per cent of GPs out of Bowen – with only three centres servicing its roughly 12,000 population.

To shore up the Whitsundays far north, Councillors wholeheartedly endorsed the creation of not only a new allied health centre but the corresponding accommodation with it.

Councillor Mike Brunker advocated for the sale and said that this is a time of housing crisis and of a “medical crisis” in Queensland’s rural regions.

Negotiations and standard settlement of the property sale is expected within the next 30 days.

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A new allied health centre is likely to be constructed in Bowen pending Council’s sale of this land in Dalrymple Street

“The home of the one-metre barra” is set for a big boost with Whitsunday Regional Council plans to educate locals and visitors on the joys of recreational fishing.

Lake Proserpine has long been known by sports fishermen – and keen angling locals – as the trophy hunting spot for the tropical river fish, and now Council are looking to spread the word.

Council plans to begin the ‘Whitsunday Barra Fishing Activation Project’ in 2023, a campaign which hopes to promote barramundi fishing techniques and showcase Lake Proserpine as the premier impounded barramundi fishery in the country.

The $15,000 project is seeking funding as part of the Queensland Community Fishing Grants 2022 and hopes to commence the education program in the new year.

Including a print and social media drive, the Whitsunday Barra Fishing Activation Project will deliver a brochure promoting barramundi fishing techniques for the “green” fisherman.

The campaign is also hoped to promote tourism to Lake Proserpine which has slowly been garnering a reputation as a place of natural splendour for camping.

Whitsunday Regional Councillor John Collins said the campaign would draw great interest.

“I am excited that the Whitsunday Barra Fishing Activation Project will ensure that Lake Proserpine’s reputation as the barra mecca of Australia will be enhanced,” Cr Collins said.

“Having hundreds of vehicles each week travelling through Proserpine during peak season will create an estimated average spend of $395 on provisions and services per vehicle.”

“This means an economic injection into the region of up to $8 million annually and the potential to create an extra 58 jobs for locals,” he said.

Cr Collins said he would be “fighting for a spot to cast” once the campaign begins.

“26,000 barra fingerlings were recently released around the weed edges at Lake Prossie, so hopefully they can hide out and get a chance to grow into a ‘Holy Grail’ meter plus Barramundi,” he said.

“With those odds, there’s a remote chance even I could land a fish.”

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Recreational fishing in the Whitsundays, and especially Lake Proserpine, is set for a boost thanks to a Whitsunday Regional Council awareness campaign

Growers, mill workers and everyone in between will be celebrating with a lively party as the crushing season draws to an end this January.

With the season extending longer than usual, many people in the industry will enjoy connecting with others and the broader community at the annual ‘Cut Out Party’ which is due to be held at the Proserpine Showgrounds on Saturday, January 14.

An opportunity to celebrate, unwind and connect, the party is set to attract big numbers once again this year.

“By the 14th of January they’ll be ready to let their hair down!” said organiser Amanda Hadlow.

“It’s a celebration of the industry as a whole and the impact it has on the region.”

The Peta Richards duo will be playing easy listening live music which is expected to get the dancefloor moving as the night progresses.

The ticket price includes drinks all evening, nibblies, a BBQ dinner and sweets plus entertainment for the children.

All proceeds from the event go towards a charity and this year the committee have selected RACQ CQ Rescue.

WHAT: Cut Out Party

WHEN: Saturday, January 14 from 5pm

WHERE: Proserpine Showgrounds

TICKETS: Whitsunday Tickets. General admission $75 per head, children 7 to 17 $15 per head, 6 and under are free

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An exciting new program is coming to the Whitsundays, one that will offer new methods for monitoring and preventing the damage done by drifting ghost nets on the Great Barrier Reef.

Ghost nets is the term used for discarded fishing nets, which are thrown into the ocean by commercial fishing vessels.

These large drifting death traps easily entangle unsuspecting marine life such as seals and turtles.

They also fall to the bottom of the ocean and lay on the coral reef inhibiting the natural function of this diverse ecosystem.

It is hoped this destruction will soon be prevented by a unique new partnership between local not-for-profit organisation, Tangaroa Blue, and telecommunication company SatLink.

The idea was born when Tangaroa Blue was searching for a way to reuse and recycle international commercial fishing echosounder buoys.

When they connected with SatLink, discussions led to them forming a partnership that will see the launch of Project ReCon - a world-first project that repurposes recovered echosounder buoys and then uses satellite technology to tag and track ghost nets while retrieval teams are mobilised to remove them.

Some ghost nets can be as large as football fields, so they are almost impossible for small vessels to remove, they require the attention of experts with larger vessels and purpose-built equipment.

Previously, nets that were spotted could easily get lost again before help arrived, but this new system will allow them to be tracked and removed with ease.

“With our teams looking for ways to reuse and recycle international commercial fishing echosounder buoys retrieved from beach clean-ups along the Reef, it was very much a case of who ya gonna call,” says Heidi Tait, CEO of Tangaroa Blue Foundation.

“Turns out, Satlink was the ghost net buster we needed to speak with to be able to repurpose the buoys and divert them from landfill."

This perfect partnership will see the launch of local activities in the Whitsundays early next year and it will then be rolled out around Australia through the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) network.

"By working with international commercial fishing fleet partners, we can have the buoys recovered by Tangaroa Blue and their AMDI partners tested and reassigned to track ghost nets along the Reef,” said Kathryn Gavira, Satlink’s Head of Science and Sustainability.

“The technology also allows for virtual fences to be put around reefs providing notifications before nets impact critically sensitive areas."

Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef and Labor Senator for Queensland, Senator Nita Green said that she is excited by the project.

“It is a further step in the right direction to one day ensuring our waters are free from ghost nets. Well done to everyone involved,” she said.

“Ghost nets pose a huge problem in the world’s oceans including Australia’s northern oceans and the Great Barrier Reef, where sadly we see tonnes of fish, dugongs, turtles and other marine species getting tangled up, and coral being put at risk.”

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A research vessel is able to attach a tracking buoy to large swathes of ghost net. Photo credit: Chris Bolton Fishing

Ghost nets are known to trap animals such as turtles and seals. Photo credit: WWF

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The team at Fishi Fresh Island Seafood in Cannonvale are fully stocked and ready to supply a wide range of festive feasts that are fresh, sustainably sourced, and locally caught this Christmas.

“We’re really blessed with how much seafood we’ve got – let alone the cheeses, the sauces and all the dips that we make,” said Chef and passionate Fishi, Callum Patience.

Imagine your family’s faces when you arrive with some local Queensland caught prawns or a whole coral trout fully dressed and ready to go for the BBQ or oven.

The perfect gift for any dinner guest.

Or how about a Seafood Platter? Bring all your favourites together in one colourful and delicious creation – either choose from the menu or handpick items for inclusion.

Fishi also stock Sydney Rock or Coffin Bay Oysters with trucks bringing them up the coast fresh, between three and four times a week.

Chef Callum and the rest of the team have been busy creating a host of complimentary options this Christmas – from different marinades, vinaigrettes and cured fish ceviche to soft cheeses with smoked salmon and asparagus or crab and mushroom, and why not try their green pea crab and sweet corn risotto?

Fishi is a seafoodies’ paradise where you can explore, experiment and experience delicious tastes and flavours throughout the festive season.

For convenience, the team have also been busy making pre-done, throw-in-the-oven-dishes that are sure to make feeding your family easy this Christmas.

Their seafood chowders, smoked octopus, salmon roulade, home-made pizzas, spring rolls, poke bowls, salmon pockets and jarred salads are all made in-house.

Whatever your seafood inspired needs this Christmas, make sure you head down to Fishi to feast on the array of delicious treats available from their display cabinet.

Open today 9am to 5pm, Christmas Eve from 9am to 3pm and closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

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The enthusiastic team at Fishi Fresh Island Seafood in Cannonvale - Simone Mitchell, Callum Patience and Kerry Isaac

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Ronald McDonald Family Room Officially Opened

Last Thursday marked a momentous milestone for Mackay and district families, the Official Opening Ceremony for the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital.

It’s only the second Ronald McDonald Family Room to be opened in North Australia, with the other located in Townsville.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia board member Paul Rissman said the family room supports families with seriously ill children and is designed to support local families through their child’s medical journey.

“We know children recover quicker when their families are close by, we know families cope better when they are in a warm and friendly environment,” Mr Rissman said.

“Families are stronger together.

“Whether it’s a break from the clinical environment in the hospital, a good night’s rest or nap, a sense of normalcy to sit with a coffee or to freshen up with a shower. Families can do this mere steps away from their child’s bedside at no cost to them.”

RMHC North Australia Chief Executive Officer, Tamara South, is deeply grateful to the local community for their support.

“The local Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday communities are incredibly generous. Thanks to the community, and our partners, Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) and Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), we have been able to bring this much-needed practical care program to the Mackay region,” Ms South explained.

For local parents like Amy Forrester, the new Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital is set to make a real difference. Juliet, Ms Forrester’s daughter, was born with a rare genetic condition.

“I’m mum to Kool Kid Juliet, Kool Kid is a nickname given to children born with Koolen-de Vries syndrome,” explained Ms Forrester.

“It occurs when there is a deletion in chromosome 17 and the KANSL1 gene is missing or mutated. For Juliet, this meant she was born with severe hip dysplasia, resulting in multiple hip surgeries before she was two.

“She was born with three heart defects, global developmental delay, feeding and breathing difficulties, scoliosis, brittle bones and epilepsy.

“As a family we have spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals and Juliet has spent quite a bit of time at the Mackay Base Hospital. Without the Ronald McDonald House Charities, I do not know how we would have coped. The Ronald McDonald Family room in Townsville has been a saviour very recently.

“When Juliet was flown to Townsville with severe pneumonia, it can be very hard and very depressing to spend weeks or months in a hospital room. A family room provides a place to escape so the family can share a meal, or even get washing done without having to be very far from your sick child.

“Having the Family Room at Mackay will make a massive difference for families,” Ms Forrester said.

Paula Foley, MHHS’ interim Chief Executive, is thrilled that the Official Opening of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay has arrived.

“The Ronald McDonald Family Room will make a great difference to so many families who are being supported by Mackay Base Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Unit and Special Care Nursery,” Ms Foley said.

“For our youngest patients and their families, who often come from our regional and rural communities, travelling to Mackay Base Hospital for a range of appointments, tests and treatment can be exhausting.

“The Ronald McDonald Family Room will provide a space where these families, who are going through a very tough time, can relax away from hospital wards and spend time together as a family. The Ronald McDonald Family Room will be a refuge that will make their stay a little less daunting and a little more comfortable,” Ms Foley said.

“Mackay HHS is also very grateful for the great support this project has received from Flagon & Dragon, Mackay Hospital Foundation and of course RMHC North Australia. We extend a heartfelt thank you for coordinating the community fundraising campaign and making this project possible.

“The Mackay community has advocated and have continuously engaged with this project and without the support from the community this would not have been achievable. As a nurse and a psychologist myself, it means the world to see that families have the best care possible and to have the care in a home type environment.”

Peter Tait, Chair at MHF, is proud to see this vital facility for local families finally available.

“The RMHC North Australia board and staff have worked tirelessly over many years planning, fundraising, constructing, and now delivering the Family Room to Mackay,” Mr Tait explained.

“This Family Room will provide an excellent new service in Mackay comforting and supporting families with children admitted to the hospital, especially for those travelling from regional areas.

“It’s a stressful time when your child’s not well. This facility will be great so the parents and siblings can relax and have a break here at the family room so that stress is lessened in the presence of the child who is unwell.

“I also acknowledge the contribution of MHHS, especially their staff in supporting the development of this new service at the hospital and local company, and Fergus Builders, for their support constructing the Family Room.

Amy Forrester and daughter Juliet. Photo credit: Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital is now operational

The tragic events which unfolded west of Toowoomba earlier this week, where two police officers and a good samaritan local were slain by gunmen on a remote property, provided a chilling reminder that nothing on Earth is ever promised, especially time.

Tara Police officers Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, died upholding their oath to protect and serve. It breaks my heart that two young adults who put their lives on the line to protect the community, had their futures ripped away in the blink of an eye.

I can’t imagine the pain their devastated family members are going through right now, which is why it’s important to say the words you’ve been meaning to say, because those unsaid words or actions will mean nothing once your loved ones are gone.

It’s also a reminder that Christmas isn’t always the happiest time of the year for everyone. For those who experience the death of a friend or family member over the holiday season, seeing a tree trimmed with tinsel could be horribly triggering for someone who received life-changing news during a time that’s meant to be merry.

It puts into perspective what’s really important at this time of year. The people you love and the time you have with them. Gifts are meaningless when there’s no one there to share them with. The true gift of Christmas is taking time to be with those you care for.

Call those who reside afar, send a card to make someone smile and use the good glasses to toast to health and happiness.

Amanda

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Mackay Life recently received an anonymous email from a group of ladies who were absolutely blown away with the kindness and Christmas spirit of an unknown individual.

The four ladies were enjoying a pre-Christmas catch-up at Harrup Park earlier in the month.

After selecting their lunch and going up to order and pay, they were informed that a very kind gentleman had anonymously paid for their meals.  

“I must let you know we were not four good looking young chicks, the emphasis being on the ‘young', so that was not his ulterior motive,” the email read.

“To say we were flabbergasted was an understatement.  

“Of course, the club was very busy, especially at this time of the year, but we looked around to see if we recognized any gentlemen or those that might look like they were the likely donors, but we came up with zilch.”

The ladies enjoyed their meals in a haze of astonishment and hope that the generous gentleman is a reader of Mackay Life Newspaper.

If he is, they would like to extend their sincerest thank yous.

“Nothing like this had ever happened to any of us and we were thrilled to bits although sorry that we were not able to thank the very generous person.

“Let people see that in this busy world with all its challenges, we still do not forget to show kindness to someone.”

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People Power Demonstrates Local Significance Of North Wall

Mackay locals said ‘NO’ to draft port expansion plans released by the state government, saying the expansion would put fragile environmental sites including multiple turtle nesting sites at severe risk.

A local Facebook page, ‘Save our North Wall Turtles’ set out to inform the public of the draft plans, which quickly garnered more than 1,700 followers within a month. Many passionate locals sent submissions to the state government citing the devastation the expansion plan in its current form might have to the beach, not only eradicating areas where turtles nest, but also destroying a large portion of beach used regularly by local families.

The state government listened, and has extended the public consultation period after what they say has been of social and environmental significance in the area.

“The draft master plan and draft port overlay for the priority Port of Hay Point Mackay consultation process has identified social and environmental significance of the area,” the Queensland government statement said.  

Priority port master planning sets out the sustainable development of the port until 2050, while protecting social, cultural, and environmental values, including the Great Barrier Reef.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she advocated to have local turtle information verified with the Department of Environment and Science.

“I heard what local groups, including the Mackay and District Turtle Watch, had to say on the importance of the North Wall Beach area and pushed for their valuable data to be supplied to the Department of Environment and Science,” Ms Gilbert said.

“This data has now been verified, which means the turtle nesting and tracking information provided will be front and centre in this ongoing planning.

“I’m pleased to also announce that public consultation will be extended until mid-January to allow more time for community groups to have their say.

“It’s only with the community's help that we can truly understand the significance of our local areas, and deliver the best outcome for everyone.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey thanked Ms Gilbert for her work.

“I want to thank Julieanne for meeting with local groups, and understanding how we can best incorporate the significance of the North Wall Beach into our planning process,” Minister Bailey said.

“The draft master plan and the draft port overlay will be updated to reflect all new information supplied by the public after the submission period closes.

“What I want to see is our final plans being well-informed and back by local residents as the users of these areas.

“I encourage those interested to continue to make submissions online, and directly to the project team.”

The final master plan will take into account submissions and will set out the vision for the area until 2050.

The state government encourages community members to get in touch with the TMR project team via mail, online or at this email address: HayPointMackayPortMasterPlan@tmr.qld.gov.au

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The beach at North Wall is popular with surfers. Photo credit: Martinez Helene Sylvia

Turtle tracks have been spotted at North Wall this month during nesting season. Photo credit: Shane Jackson

Mayor Greg Williamson visited Caneland Central last week to launch an exciting new guide aimed at helping businesses to grow their customer bases.

The Good Access Equals Good Business guide was created by council and the Access and Inclusion Reference Group, which is made up of local stakeholders from the disability community.

“This guide is all about helping business owners and service providers to identify areas where a small change, with minimal or no expense, can make a big difference to their customers, especially those with disability,” Mayor Williamson said.

“By making your business more accessible, you can drastically increase your customer base and create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive,” he said.

“In Australia, one in six people are estimated to be living with disability and more than half of those aged over 55 have difficulties with mobility, sight and hearing.

“So that’s a considerable chunk of a businesses’ customer base, and then you factor in those who benefit from better access like parents with prams and even those pushing trolleys, and it’s easy to see why a guide like this can be tremendously helpful.”

Artist David Conway, from the Access and Inclusion Reference Group, said good access went one step further than just bringing in more customers.

“Excluding people with disability is actually against the law,” Mr Conway said.

“If a person with disability can’t access your business or service, then it is within their right to make a complaint under the Disability Discrimination Act,” he said.

“This guide has a comprehensive list of actions businesses and service providers can undertake to make them more accessible and welcoming.

“Mostly, they are really simple things like keeping the pathway into your business clear of obstacles, making isles at least 1.2 metres wide, ensuring staff know the location of the nearest accessible toilet and ensuring signage is easily readable.

“This guide also has some excellent tips for helping staff to better serve those who have communication difficulties.”

The Good Access Equals Good Business guide and checklist is available online.

A limited number of hard copy guides are also available from council’s Customer Service Centres.

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At the launch of the Good Access Equals Good Business Guide launch were (from left) Maree Sturdy, Ellen Madden and Geoff O’Connor, Tracey Robb, Tania Leeson, Karen Bonham, Mayor Greg Williamson and (front row) David Conway.

The Nationals Regional Listening Tour kicked off in Queensland last week, starting in Dawson, with leaders and MPs of the National Party meeting with locals across the region, to hear about the issues affecting them.

The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox hosted the listening tour in Ayr, Bowen and Mackay, welcoming Leader of the Nationals the Hon David Littleproud, Deputy Leader Senator Perin Davey, Member for Capricornia the Hon Michelle Landry and Senator for Queensland Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan.

Mr Willcox said the purpose of the tour is to highlight to our leadership the views of people in Dawson, focusing particularly on the issues affecting women across the district.

“I’m not interested in bringing the news from Canberra to Dawson,” Mr Willcox said.  

“My focus is to take Dawson’s concerns to Canberra. That’s the way it should be.

“I’m out and about talking to the people each and every day and that is why I am delighted to be joined by the Leader and Deputy Leader of my party in our great region,” Mr Willcox said.

“In the Nationals, we’re about finding practical solutions that are made to order for the people in the regions. We’re particularly focussing on solutions for issues like affordability and more importantly availability of child care for our working mums and dads.

“Regional and rural Australia does so much for our country. This is where our food and fibre come from. It’s where our energy is produced. When regions like Dawson are strong, all of Australia is strong.  That’s why I’ve spent the last couple of days touring with the Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, and Deputy Leader, Senator Perin Davey, to hear the concerns firsthand.”

The tour builds on community consultation throughout Victoria and New South Wales, and will continue into broader Central Queensland.

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Dawson’s Listening Tour finished in Mackay at the Dispensary Café with a women’s networking event. Photos: Office of Andrew Willcox MP

State Government Invites Developers To Help Address Housing Crisis

A Housing Roundtable was conducted in Mackay last week to identify potential solutions to the region’s housing stress following the release of the Queensland Housing Summit Outcomes Report.

The Summit, held in Brisbane in October, brought together all levels of government alongside the construction industry and the real-estate industry along with planners, developers, community services organisations, homelessness advocates and community housing providers.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert delivered the report to last week’s Roundtable.

“There is a whole range of different housing needs but what we do need is to make sure we have that range, and we can encourage investors to come into our region and make sure that we have got the rentals and the opportunities for families to be able to buy a home if that’s what they want,” Ms Gilbert said.

The Queensland Government has pledged $56 million in new funding for critical housing supply and housing support initiatives arising from the Summit on top of a $1 billion boost to the Housing Investment Fund, bringing the Fund to $2 billion.

Ms Gilbert said this brings about the opportunity for investors and developers to collaborate with the Government.

“Where we do have people who are interested in being part of the housing solution, we’re encouraging them to come forward and to work with the state government to be able to have a look at how we can assist them get into the market to build that sustainable housing,” she said.

“There’s lots of different outcomes for locals to get involved, so there’s not just one level of government that holds the key to housing, so it’s working to make sure that we’ve got the land, that the red tape is cut.

“We also have lots of programs where people who are getting squeezed out of the rental market, where we’re giving them support to keep them in their homes.

“State government can’t supply everybody with a home, then that takes those houses out of the way of developers.

“We need developers to be able to make money, we need families in homes.”

“If we’ve got people in safe housing, then their health is better, they have a better opportunity of being able to participate in work, which is what every community needs.”

Ms Gilbert has invited those interested to contact her office or the Department of Housing.

“I’m happy to get people in touch with the Department, so that we can sit down and work out what it is that they would like to do and we can show them the programs that are available,” Ms Gilbert said.

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Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert

A local advice firm is bringing world-class investment solutions to Mackay.

Local independent firm, Alman Partners True Wealth, has been named the best Professional Financial Planning Practice in Australia, taking out the 2022 Financial Planning Association (FPA) Awards – Professional Practice of the Year.

Senior Financial Advisers & Partners of the firm, Stephen Lowry & Teneale Laister were present in Sydney at the FPA Congress in late November to accept the award.

“It certainly has been a journey,” Managing Partner Stephen Lowry said.

“Our firm started from humble beginnings with Mackay local Scott Alman in 1985. We now have 2 offices, opening our Brisbane location in 2020, and a team of 30, including some of the highest qualified Financial Advisers in the profession.

“Providing our clients with world-class advice and a 5-star experience has always been a focus for us, and we feel truly humbled by this acknowledgement for the work we do each and every day,” says Mr Lowry.

One of Alman Partners’ goals is to make financial advice universally accessible, and in early 2022 launched its self-directed investment platform, AP Direct Invest. Utilising Nobel-prize-winning academic research as a foundation, 6 portfolios have been developed taking in 37 years of operating in the profession to create a low-cost entry-level investment option. Due to legislation and upheaval in the financial services industry in recent years, seeking full-service financial advice has become cost prohibitive to some investors, especially those starting out. Alman Partners holds a high belief that through continual education and a starting platform, these young investors over time will benefit from holistic advice.

As a founding member of a now global association of like-minded firms, Alman Partners is heavily involved with the Global Association of Independent Advisors (GAIA). This Association aims to share best practices in the profession whilst supporting the next generation of Financial Advisers. A 2nd generation Association has now formed with the focus of nurturing these emerging financial leaders, 2 of Alman Partners’ Advisers sit on this committee.

With a mission to Lead, Educate and Inspire, Alman Partners hosts a radio segment each month on ABC Tropical North Radio and has a scholarship programme for those studying financial planning through CQ University.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring world-class investment solutions to regional Queensland,” says Teneale Laister.

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Domestic violence doesn’t take a break for the holidays, in fact, it often gets worse.

Being able to support vulnerable women and children in need year-round is the aim of Broken Ballerina Inc. who were the recipients of 10 hampers and a $5,000USD grant from Cummins earlier this week.

Broken Ballerina Inc. Founder Jules Thompson said they are so grateful to have received these donations from the team at Cummins as it will enable them to help many people.

“As we don't receive government funding, the majority of the money received will be going to Rebecca Snell, Managing Director of Breakthrough Counselling and Support Services, to enable us to continue to provide free counselling to those in need, including children,” Ms Thompson said.

To date, Broken Ballerina Inc. has donated more than 100 hours of free counselling to its clients.

“We would like to give a special thank you to Heather McCurry for putting us forward for the grant and for supporting what we do in the community,” Ms Thompson added.

Mackay Branch Manager of Cummins South Pacific, Glen Jones, said the business is delighted to support Broken Ballerina with a grant and hampers to support survivors of domestic and family violence.

“Cummins globally has a long-standing strategy to support the communities in which we operate,” Mr Jones said.

“This is typically through donating employee hours back to local not-for-profit organisations, something we encourage all our employees to do each year.

“In this instance, Broken Ballerina stood out for the outstanding work they were doing in the Mackay community, and we were able to secure a grant from the Cummins Foundation,” Mr Jones added.

“Our local Cummins CIT (Community Involvement Team) couldn’t have been prouder to be handing over the goods this week.

“We’d like to again thank Jules and all those involved for their outstanding support to this critically important cause.”

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Jules and Pete Thompson from Broken Ballerina Inc. received 10 hampers and a cash grant from Cummins, with the Community Involvement Team from Cummins sourcing goods for the hampers. Photos supplied

Two Mackay firefighters were recently deployed to southern New South Wales to assist in the response to the state’s ongoing flood event.

Parts of NSW have been in a flood crisis for almost three months with emergency services from across the country rallying to assist.

Carl Jackson and Patrick McGuire of Mackay Fire and Rescue joined two firefighters from Gladstone and four from Airlie Beach, travelling to the NSW town of Deniliquin for seven days in late November.

The teams were tasked with conducting rapid damage assessments, spending most of their time in Moulamein, west of Deniliquin.

“It’s just a quick assessment of a house or a property to determine if it is habitable, how much water has gone through the house, do they have power, running water, sewerage,” said Mr Jackson.

“They call it rapid because it’s a brief snapshot of a particular area.

“That information then gets sent into the command centre to then allow our senior officers to coordinate the response and recovery and to allocate resources to specific areas.

“We were also part of a swift water crew, so if any persons were stuck in floodwater, we would then be the response crew to rescue them from the floodwater.”

The team also transported sandbags from Deniliquin to Moulamein, working alongside teams from Urban Search and Rescue, Marine Rescue, Rural Fire Service, Volunteer Rescue Association and SES.

“It was pretty cool … everyone wearing a different shirt but all working towards the same goal,” said Mr Jackson.

“Even though we’re from different agencies, we’ve got different procedures and policies, in the event of an emergency, we all just come together and we work in well together.”

Mr Jackson said while the town was experiencing an emergency, the people of Moulamein banded together.

“The first day we got there, there was a family of six with kids aged from seven up to 14 and they were helping to fill sandbags,” he said.

“That was just awesome to see, it’s just a good country town.”

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Emergency services from across Australia joined forces to assist in the NSW flood response